Stack up your backpacks! South Africa to welcome International tourists from October

Well, well, well! Here’s another country that’s opening its borders for international travel from next month. South Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’ has decided to open up its borders to straighten out their wrinkled economy. The country has been under the lockdown mode for the past six months in different phases and has finally decided to open up borders post completion of the last phase.

Plan of action for South Africa

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the country’s economy had suffered major damages due to lockdown. He further stated “Our economy and our society have suffered great devastation. We have endured a fierce and destructive storm. But, by standing together, by remaining resolute, we have withstood it.”

South Africa had faced a major surge in cases around 2 months back in spite of the lockdown being imposed. 12,000 new cases were being reported on a daily basis which has now reduced to around 2,000 cases per day. The recovery rate is also remarkable in South Africa and this will be a good ground to ensure that the virus is eradicated. Safety precautions like social distancing and wearing of masks will remain mandatory, but tourist influx is sure to increase in the upcoming month.

What is the way forward?

President Ramaphosa said, “Now is the time to return our country, its people and our economy to a situation that is more normal, that more resembles the lives that we were living six months ago. It is time to move to what will become our new normal for as long as the coronavirus is with us.” Considering that the infection rate is slowly decreasing in the country, this will provide ample opportunities to get back to normalcy. Thus, the government has decided to do away with the restrictions of international travel.

Any kind of tourist inflow will be allowed on the basis of containment and mitigation measures after thorough screening. All types of tourists including business and leisure travellers will be allowed into South Africa from the 1st of October. However, they will send out a list of countries from where tourist inflow will be allowed. Technically, people from countries having a high infection rate will not be allowed to travel. This data will be provided after scientific research and will help in guaging the revenue expectations from tourism.

Other protocols

Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa also said, “The tourism sector is one of our greatest economic drivers. We are ready to open our doors again to the world, and invite travelers to enjoy our mountains, our beaches, our vibrant cities and our wildlife game parks in safety and confidence.” Three International Airports will allow the entry of tourists, including Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

But all safety norms have to be adhered to by tourists at any cost. This includes following the rule of night curfew from 12:00 a.m to 4:00 a.m. All travellers will also have to produce a COVID-negative certificate upon arrival or face mandatory quarantine. The test should have been taken not beyond 72 hours prior to departure.

Any form of religious or social gatherings like weddings and funerals have to maintain a minimum ceiling of 50% people of the venue capacity. The number varies from gathering to gathering and public places like cinema halls and gyms will also follow similar norms. As far as alcohol is concerned, it will now be sold on all weekdays as opposed to the earlier norm of Monday to Wednesday.

The South African government officials have also decided to get back in business in office. This is to ensure that the welcoming of tourists in October takes place in a smooth fashion. After all, the primary objective is the safety of people and their prosperity. All efforts will be taken to ensure that there is no new wave of infection caused in the country. If you need help with planning your South Africa tour package, do reach out to Pickyourtrail. Customize your dream itinerary and embark on your much-awaited post-lockdown trip!